Soul City Institute Joins Stakeholders To Champion Youth Health At Mantserre Community Open Day

The event, which runs from 09h00, will bring together government departments, civil society organisations, and health service providers to deliver integrated health services and critical health education to the community, with a special focus on adolescents and young people.

As part of the day's activities, Soul City Institute will participate in the dedicated Adolescent and Young Person (AYP) Corner Programme, which is designed to create a safe and engaging space for young people to discuss pressing health issues. These include sexual reproductive health (SRH), mental health, gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), cyberbullying, and risky behaviour.

A central feature of the programme will be a candid session led by Siyanda Magayana, Advocacy Officer at Soul City Institute, who will engage young people on the topic of risky behaviour specifically examining why young people do not consistently use condoms. The session will explore the complex social, relational, and structural factors that influence condom use, including power imbalances in relationships, social norms, misinformation, and access barriers.

Siyanda Magayana, Advocacy Officer at Soul City Institute, stated: "Soul City Institute is committed to creating a society where young people, especially young women and girls, can make informed choices about their health and bodies. Our presence at this Open Day reflects our belief that health services must be accompanied by honest, non-judgemental conversations. We cannot talk about preventing HIV, unplanned pregnancies, or GBVF without addressing the real reasons young people struggle to use condoms consistently. This is about empowering them with the skills, confidence, and support they need to take control of their health."

The Open Day will offer a wide range of free health screenings, including:

• Cardiometabolic screening: High blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol
• Chronic disease detection: Heart disease, cancer, and diabetes screening
• HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT)
• TB screening
• Vision and hearing screening
• Oral health screening

All adolescents and young people from Mantserre and surrounding areas are warmly invited to attend. The event promises a youth-friendly atmosphere with interactive icebreakers, giveaways, and access to health services in a safe and supportive environment.

Event Details

Media Enquiries

For more information, interviews, please contact:
Akona Anati Zibonti
0746045799
akona@soulcity.org.za

Issued by

Soul City Institute
On behalf of the Community Health Awareness and Screening Open Day Partners

Date: 26 March 2026